Penance (2018 film)

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Penance (2018 film)

Penance is a short Irish historical drama directed by Tom Collins. The movie is mainly in the Irish language and is set in Ulster during two periods: 1916 and 1969.

Plot in simple terms
In Derry, 1969, a Catholic priest named Fr. Eoin McDonnell helps prevent the arrest of Antaine, an IRA commander. The story then moves back to 1916 in rural Donegal, where the same priest recruited a teenage Antaine into the Irish independence movement. The film follows how the priest’s past actions echo through the decades and bring about regret.

Production and origins
- The story is based on the Pádraic Ó Conaire tale "Seacht mBua an Éirí Amach" (Seven Virtues of the Easter Rising).
- Filming took place in Ramelton, County Donegal, and in Derry, Northern Ireland.
- The production is mainly in Irish, with some English.
- Financing came from TG4, the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, the Irish Film Board (€150,000), the Irish Language Broadcast Fund, Northern Ireland Screen, and Section 481.

Cast (highlights)
- 1916: Peter Coonan as Fr. Eoin McDonnell (young); Padhraig Parkinson as Antaine (young); Barry Barnes as Inspector Joyce; Mimi Carroll as Mairéad; Diona Doherty as Ellie Nic Shiubhlaigh; Dara Devaney as Peadar.
- 1969: Terry Byrne as Fr. Eoin McDonnell (old); Gerard McSorley as Murray; Barry McGovern as Antaine (old); Corey McKinley as Feidhlím.

Release information
- The film premiered on 1 May 2018.
- It had its television debut on TG4 on 20 April 2019.
- Running time is 84 minutes.
- Countries: Ireland and the United Kingdom.